Konoike Seikei is the novel’s protagonist. Though he is young, he has a well-developed sense of honor, inspired by the bushido, or samurai code of conduct. His devotion to this code ultimately impresses both Tomomi and Judge Ooka, two samurai who grow to champion his dedication, sense of duty, and natural aptitude.

As a member of the merchant class, Seikei cannot become a samurai, despite his preference and talent: “At school, he had won a prize for writing a haiku. But his father had not been pleased” (4) because poetry is not an advantageous skill for merchants. Seikei continues to dream of becoming a samurai and longs to “devote [his] life to poetry” (23), but he never disobeys or disrespects his father or any other authority. Seikei is observant and insightful, qualities that make him especially useful when he joins Ooka’s investigation of the theft. Though he is somewhat naïve—the story about the jikininki haunts him so much that he assumes the being he sees at the inn is this creature rather than a costumed person—he is very brave. When he believes other guests are in danger of being eaten by a monster, he pursues it rather than hiding in fear.